I myself make some music, and there is a whole lot of programs to choose from.. First of, the E-Jay programs is nothing to start off with, as they really limit what you can do with a tune. A tracker program like Buzz, or Modplug Tracker is probably something to start with, as they give possibilities to put all your creative ideas down on "paper". The alternative, is to begin with what the "big boys" use. Midi. This looks kinda messy and complicated in the start, and therefore some tracker experience can be handy. Cubase and Logic audio are probably the best midi programmes, with Logic often looked upon as the most advanced. Logic is used by for example Armin van Buuren. Lange is according to trance.nu using an Amiga (!) with Cubase. These programs only works as sequencers and you'll need a real life synth or a soft synth to get some cool sounds into them. Reason is a very good softsynth/studio and can be wired directly into either of the mentioned sequencers. Reaktor is also very popular. Many other softsynths can be found all over the net. In synchronization with effect plugins you may achieve a pro sound, but this is something that require some practice.

When talking about making music, I wondered if someone would like to give some comments on this tune: http://www.traxinspace.com/Music/So...sp?SongID=41880

I haven't been able to upload it to mp3.com, because they think i have used some ambience samples from a movie, something i haven't, but can't prove..

Peace

(EJAY software = toys.
You'll get bored with it after a couple of weeks.)

The best place to download music software at is:
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http://www.sonicspot.com
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You'll find hundreds of mp3 players,rippers,
encoders,midi sequencers,trackers,
softsynths and even reviews!
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Software tips:

1.You should try the TS-404 synthesier(freeware)!
You can create some really cool loops and export to FT or Modplug Tracker.

2.Hammerhead.It's a TR-909 clone and freeware.Also good for exporting (drumloops) to trackers.

3.Modplug Tracker.U can't live without this one......
(freeware....of course)

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http://www.sonicspot.com
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And don't forget http://www.astalavista.box.sk if u're looking for cracks.

Here are my recommendations:

As a lot of other have said, Buzz is an excellent program to start off with. Though the learning curve is fairly high (to create quality sounding instruments), I highly recommend it. It was the last program I've used before stepping up a notch.

Now I'm using a Roland MC-505 Groovebox and it's one hell of a machine. You can pick up a decent one for about $850 on e-bay if you're lucky. They still retail at about $1100 a piece, but to me it's worth every penny. I hooked this baby up to a sampler and CuBase -- now I'm set. I guess I have no excuses to make horrible tracks now, huh?

Anyone remember the days of ImpulseTracker and Fasttracker?

My recommendation if anyone DOES pick up a 505 or any other synth that allows instrument programming -- DON'T USE PRESETS. They're easily recognized by anyone important you may show your work to -- including people with no composition experience. You'll be able to create some phat instruments in no time after sitting down at this thing for a few days. Plus, the intrument will be made specifically for your song, giving it a more cohesive and solid theme.

Any questions, feel free to email me!

Regards and good luck!
Arkainjel

p.s. Hey, TranceAddict Admins, how about a composition forum where interested people can post and critique the community's works, suggest soundfont or sample sites, help with the theory of composition and whatnot?

quote:

Originally posted by phatdelt I think i read somewhere that PvD uses a program called powertoolz (sp?). Dunno where you can pick that up at.

Powertoolz is more of a djing program than a music making program. Matt Darey and Red Jerry use it for Euphoria CD'z.

I use the following programs:

Fruityloopz Pro
Reason (demo... cant find a crack)
VAZ Modular Synth
VIRSyn

Fruityloopz has excellent FX and stuff in it, but the built in samples are poo so get ur own it also has an AMAZING TS404 synth on it...

Peace

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MUGGETS